JPH0729325U - Rolling guide unit - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] A bending type to increase load capacity and rigidity,
(EN) Provided is a rolling guide unit capable of improving vibration absorption, reducing noise, smoothing an operating state, and prolonging a service life, and exhibiting a sufficient function especially against generated centrifugal force. [Structure] In particular, a cross roller type is used to obtain the above effect.

Description

[Detailed description of the device]

[0001]

[Industrial applications]

 The present invention relates to a rolling guide unit that is installed in, for example, a machine tool or an industrial robot and that guides an object to be moved in a curved manner.

[0002]

[Prior art]

FIG. 24 shows a conventional example of this type of rolling guide unit. The rolling unit is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 186028/1988, but in addition, the same structure is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 62-191914.

As shown in FIG. 24, this rolling guide unit includes a track rail 201 having track grooves 201 a formed on each of the left and right sides along the longitudinal direction, and a relative movement with respect to the track rail 201. A slide unit 202 as a free slide base, and a track rail that is arranged and housed in a rolling element circulation path (not shown) formed in the slide unit 202 and circulates while rolling on the track groove 201a. 201 and a large number of balls (not shown) as rolling elements that receive a load between the slide unit 202.

As shown in the figure, the track rail 201 has a constant curvature in the longitudinal direction, and the slide unit 202 moves along this curvature. As is clear from the figure, the track rail 201 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the slide unit 202 has a substantially U-shaped cross-sectional shape, and the track rail 201 is installed on the track rail 201. Has been done.

[0005]

[Problems to be solved by the device]

 The above-mentioned bending type rolling guide unit is developed for the purpose of coping with the complicated operation mode in industrial robots and other devices, not limited to simple linear reciprocating motions. Recently, with regard to such a rolling guide unit of the bending type, it is necessary to increase the load capacity and rigidity so as to withstand a large load, to obtain good vibration absorption and low noise, and to obtain a smooth operating state. Life expectancy is desired. However, in the conventional rolling guide unit as described above, sufficient results have not yet been obtained for each of these points.

Further, in the case of a rolling guide unit of a curved type, a centrifugal force corresponding to the speed and curvature of the slide unit 202 acts when the slide unit 202 travels, and the centrifugal force is mounted on the slide unit 202. It also increases compared to the weight (mass) of the object. Therefore, when a relatively heavy object is mounted, a large centrifugal force acts, so it is necessary to have a function that can withstand this.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is to increase load capacity and rigidity, improve vibration absorption, reduce noise and smooth the operating state, and, at the same time, lengthen it. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rolling guide unit capable of achieving a long life and exhibiting a sufficient function especially against generated centrifugal force.

[0008]

[Means for Solving the Problems]

 A rolling guide unit according to the present invention includes a track rail having a raceway groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section along a longitudinal direction, and a rolling element circulation path including a load raceway groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section corresponding to the raceway groove. Is formed so that the slide base movable relative to the track rail and the rotation axes of adjacent ones in the rolling element circulation path intersect and roll along the track groove. A plurality of rollers that move and circulate, and have a predetermined curvature in the relative movement direction.

[0009]

【Example】

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First, a rolling guide unit as a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the rolling guide unit serves as a track rail 1 having a constant curvature in the longitudinal direction and a sliding base that is relatively movable relative to the track rail 1. And a slide unit 3.

As is particularly apparent from FIGS. 2 and 3, the track rail 1 includes a flat bottom portion 1b having a mounting surface 1a and both left and right side portions of the bottom portion 1b integrally formed with the bottom portion 1b. It has a pair of side wall portions 1c and 1d extending perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the bottom portion, and has a substantially U-shaped cross section. The track grooves 1e are formed on the inner sides of the both side wall portions 1c and 1d along the longitudinal direction. These raceway grooves 1e have a substantially V-shaped cross-section and open inward at an opening angle of 90 ^° . The material of the track rail 1 is selected from metal such as steel.

On the other hand, the slide unit 3 is inserted so that its lower half portion is sandwiched by the both side wall portions 1c, 1d, and both track grooves of the track rail 1 are inserted in the inserted portions. The rolling element circulation path 4 is provided corresponding to 1e. In the rolling element circulation path 4, a large number of rollers 5 as rolling elements are arranged and housed so that the rotation axes of adjacent ones intersect each other at a right angle, and these rollers 5 are arranged in the slide unit 3. As it moves, it circulates while rolling along the track groove 1e and receives a load between the track rail 1 and the slide unit 3.

In FIG. 2, the slide unit 3 is composed of a casing 6 formed of a metal or a synthetic resin as a material, and is made of a metal or a synthetic resin and is connected to the front and rear ends of the casing 6 by screws (not shown) or the like. And a pair of end caps 7a and 7b, and seals 8a and 8b attached to the outer surfaces of the end caps 7a and 7b. The rolling element circulation passage 4 is formed in the casing 6 so as to match the curvature of the track rail 1 and is formed in parallel with each other, and the load passage groove 4a and the return passage 4b, and both end caps 7a, 7b. The raceway groove 4a and the return path 4b are made up of a pair of substantially semicircular direction changing paths 4c and 4d which communicate at both ends thereof. The load track groove 4a corresponds to the track groove 1e of the track rail 1. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the load raceway groove 4a has a substantially V-shaped cross section and opens outward at an opening angle 90 ^O , and the return passage 4b has a substantially cross section. It is a square.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the casing 6 is connected to a flat plate-shaped supporting portion 6b and three blocks 6c to 6e fixed to the lower surface side of the supporting portion 6b. And have. Grooves each having a substantially V-shaped cross-section are formed in advance on both left and right side portions of the block 6d and each inner side portion of the other blocks 6c and 6e, respectively, so that the V-shaped grooves face each other. The return path 4b is formed by mutually joining the blocks 6c, 6d and 6e. The load track groove 4a is formed on the outer side of each of the left and right blocks 6c and 6e. There are various other methods for forming the return path 4b, but only the above example is shown here.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 3, the rolling guide unit is arranged on, for example, a flat mounting surface 10 a formed on a bed 10 of a machine tool, and a plurality of track rails 1 are mounted on the bed 10. It is fastened by a bolt 11 (with a hexagonal hole). The bed 10 is formed with a mounting reference surface 10b perpendicular to the mounting surface 10a, and the side surface of the track rail 1 is positioned by closely engaging the mounting reference surface 10b. . Further, the bolts 11 are inserted so as to be buried in the counterbore portion 1f and the insertion hole 1g formed on the bottom portion 1b of the track rail 1, and do not project to the upper surface side of the bottom portion 1b. Although not shown, as another configuration for fastening the track rail 1, flange portions are provided on the lower left and right sides of the track rail 1 so as to project, and the spot facing portion 1f and the insertion hole 1g are formed on the flange portion. It may be formed and the bolt 11 may be inserted therethrough.

On the other hand, with respect to the slide unit 3, a table (not shown) for carrying a workpiece or the like is given up by a bolt, and this operates as a movable side. As shown in FIG. 2, for example, four screw holes 6a are formed on the upper surface side of the casing 6 of the slide unit 3, and the table has bolts (not shown) screwed into the screw holes 6a. Is fastened to the slide unit 3.

As described above, in the rolling guide unit according to the present invention, since the roller 5 that receives the load by the line contact with the raceway surface is adopted as the rolling element, the conventional ball contact point contact ball is used. Compared to the rolling guide unit, the load capacity and rigidity can be increased to withstand heavy loads, vibration absorption can be improved, noise can be reduced, and the operating condition can be smoothed, and the service life can be extended. To be done. In addition, since each roller 5 is a cross roller type in which the adjacent ones are arranged so that their rotation axes intersect with each other, the centrifugal force generated due to the bending type is sufficient even if it is relatively large. Can withstand.

Next, a rolling guide unit as a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. The rolling guide unit of the present embodiment has the same structure as the rolling guide unit shown as the first embodiment in FIGS. 1 to 3 except for the parts described below, so that the entire unit The description is omitted and only the main part is described. Further, in the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components as the components of the rolling guide unit as the first embodiment. The same applies to the description of the third to fifth embodiments described later.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the rolling guide unit, the track groove 1e is formed only on, for example, the outer side wall portion 1d of the pair of left and right side wall portions 1c and 1d of the track rail 1. No raceway groove is formed on the inner side wall portion 1c. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a divided rail 12 having the same curvature as that of the track rail 1 and having substantially the same length is arranged along the inner side surface of the inner side wall portion 1c. The slide unit 3 is inserted so as to be sandwiched by the split rail 12 and the outer side wall portion 1d, and is movable with respect to both the track rail 3 and the split rail 12.

As is apparent from FIG. 5, the split rail 12 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and is fastened to the bottom portion 1b of the track rail 1 by a plurality of bolts 14 arranged in parallel in the longitudinal direction. ing. These bolts 14 are inserted so as to be buried in the counterbore 12a and the insertion hole 12b formed in the split rail 12, and do not project from the upper surface of the split rail 12. Further, the split rail 12 itself slightly projects from the upper ends of the adjacent side wall portions 1c.

As shown in FIG. 5, a raceway groove 12e having the same shape as the raceway groove 1e provided on the outer side wall portion 1d of the track rail 1 is formed on the inner side surface of the divided rail 12 along the longitudinal direction. ing. The raceway groove 12e corresponds to the load raceway groove 4a of the rolling element circulation passage 4 provided in the slide unit 3, and the rollers 5 arranged and housed in the rolling element circulation passage 4 move in the movement of the slide unit 3. Along with this, it circulates while rolling along this track groove 12e.

In such a configuration, the distance between the side wall portions 1c and 1d is large in a state where the split rail 12 is not yet attached to the track rail 1, and therefore the track groove 1e on the inner side surface of the side wall portion 1d. It is easy to insert a rotary grindstone for grinding and the operation of the grindstone can be performed freely, which facilitates the grinding process.

Also, with respect to the raceway groove 12 e of the split rail 12, this can be easily performed by performing a grinding process before the split rail 12 is mounted on the track rail 1.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 5, an adjusting screw 16 is screwed into the side wall portion 1c provided with the divided rail 12 so as to penetrate through the inside and outside of the side wall portion 1c, and at the tip thereof. It is in contact with the inner surface of the split rail 12.

On the other hand, as apparent from FIG. 4, the counterbore portion 12a and the insertion hole 12b formed in the divided rail 12 so that the bolt 14 for fastening the divided rail 12 to the track rail 1 can be inserted. The hole diameter is made slightly larger than the bolt diameter, and the split rail 12 can be freely moved toward and away from the side wall portion 1c when the bolt 14 is loosened. That is, the split rail 12 is appropriately moved by operating the adjusting screw 16 with the bolt 14 slightly loosened, so that the rollers 5 and the raceway grooves 1e and 12e and the load raceway grooves that are positioned with the rollers 5 interposed therebetween are moved. The preload between 4a and 4a can be adjusted. However, when the adjustment of the preload is completed, the bolt 14 is strongly tightened to fix the split rail 12.

Although the split rail 12 is arranged along the inner side wall 12c in this embodiment, it may be arranged along the inner side surface of the outer side wall 12d.

Next, a rolling guide unit as a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

As shown in the drawing, in the rolling guide unit, a rack 18 is integrally formed on the outer side surface of the outer side wall 1d of the track rail 1 along the longitudinal direction.

On the other hand, the casing 6 of the slide unit 3 is integrally formed with an overhanging portion 6f projecting outward, and a motor 19 as a driving force generating means is provided on the overhanging portion 6f. The output shaft 19a side is attached downward. A pinion 20 as a rolling member is fitted on the output shaft 19a and meshes with the rack 18 described above.

That is, the rolling guide unit is of a self-propelled type, and when the pinion 20 is rotationally driven by the motor 19, the pinion 20 rolls while meshing with the rack 18, and the slide unit 3 moves.

In the rolling guide unit, the case where the driving force generating means is the motor 19 is shown, but in addition to this, as the driving force generating means, a combination of a motor and a reduction mechanism is used. , Various things can be applied.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pinion 20 is directly attached to the output shaft 19 a of the motor 19, but the pinion 20 is attached to the casing 6 and the reduction mechanism is provided between the pinion and the motor 19. It may be configured to intervene.

Although the rack 18 is formed on the outer side wall 1d of the track rail 1 in the present embodiment, the rack may be provided on the inner side wall 1c.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which a single slide unit 3 moves on the track rail 1 is shown, but a plurality of slide units 3 may be provided so that they individually operate. .

By the way, the rolling guide unit having the above-described structure has been made compact by adopting the self-propelled type as described above, but the basic structure shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 is also adopted. As a result, further compactness has been achieved, and in particular the overall unit has been made thinner.

In the rolling guide unit, since the track rail 1 has a substantially U-shaped cross section and the track grooves 1e are provided on the inner side surfaces of the side wall portions 1c and 1d, the rack 18 is provided. It is possible to use the entire outer surface of the side wall 1d as an occupied space. Therefore, even if the entire track rail 1 is flat, the rack 18 can be provided over substantially the entire outer surface of the side wall portion 1d to ensure a sufficient tooth width, so that the unit as a whole can be made thin. It is a translation.

Incidentally, in the rolling guide unit having the configuration shown in FIG. 24, since the track groove 201a is also provided on the side surface of the track rail 201 on which the rack is to be provided, the rack that can transmit the necessary power can be transmitted. In order to secure the tooth width, the height of the track rail 201 must be increased correspondingly, which leads to an increase in the size of the entire unit.

FIG. 9 shows a rolling guide unit as a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the rolling guide unit as the third embodiment described above, the rack 18 is formed on only one of the side wall portions 1c and 1d on both sides of the track rail 1, whereas in the rolling guide unit, the rack 18 is formed. Racks 18 are formed on both side wall portions 1c and 1d.

A plurality of, in this case, two slide units 3a and 3b are arranged on the track rail 1. For one slide unit 3a, the pinion 20 provided therein meshes with the outer rack 18, Regarding the other slide unit 3b, the pinion 20 provided therein meshes with the rack 18 on the inside. In such a configuration, the protruding portion 6f portion for carrying the motor 19 formed in the casing 6 of the slide units 3a and 3b is made detachable with respect to the main body portion of the casing 6, and at the time of mounting the same. If the direction of can be changed to the left or right, one type of slide unit can be applied to both the inner and outer racks 18.

FIG. 10 shows a main part of a rolling guide unit as a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, in the rolling guide unit, it is the roller 22 that is fitted to the output shaft of the motor 19 as a rolling member, and the knurled eye 22 a is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the roller 22. Has been formed. Further, on the outer surface of the side wall 1d of the track rail 1 on which the roller 22 rolls, knurls 23 are formed over substantially the entire length of the side wall 1d. These knurled eyes 22 a and 23 are flat and the eyes are parallel to the rotation axis of the roller 22. By providing these knurled eyes 22a and 23, when the roller 22 rolls along the side wall portion 1d, the frictional force between the roller 22 and the side wall portion 1d increases, and the thrust becomes large.

In this embodiment, knurls are formed on both the roller 22 and the side wall portion 1d, but knurls may be formed on only one of them. In addition, although the knurled eyes shown in this embodiment are flat. Other knurled eyes, such as creases, may be changed, or irregularities other than knurled eyes may be formed.

In addition to the above-mentioned knurled structure, the following structures can be adopted.

First, a so-called friction drive method is used in which the outer peripheral surface of the roller 22 and the outer surface of the side wall portion 1d are simply smooth surfaces, and both are directly brought into contact with each other.

Next, at least one of the mutual engagement surfaces of the roller 22 and the side wall portion 1d is coated with an elastic high friction coefficient member such as rubber to increase the friction coefficient between them. .

Then, a constant amount of oil is constantly supplied between the roller 22 and the side wall portion 1d. In this structure, an oil film (not shown) is formed between the roller 22 and the side wall 1d. Therefore, the slide unit 3 is propelled by a resistance force generated when the oil film is sheared by the rotation of the roller 22, that is, traction.

Next, a rolling guide unit as a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

As shown in the figure, in the rolling guide unit, a track rail 35 fixed on a bed 32 provided in a machine tool or the like (the whole is not shown) and a slide guided by the track rail 35. It has a slide unit 37 as a moving base. The track rail 35 is fixed to the bed 32 by a large number of bolts (with hexagonal holes) 39. Specifically, the track rail 35 has flange portions on both sides of the bottom thereof, and the flange portion has a spot facing portion having a diameter larger than the head portion of a bolt 39 for fixing the track rail 35 to the bed 32. 35a and an insertion hole 35b having a diameter slightly larger than the threaded portion of the bolt 39 are concentrically formed, and the bolt 39 is inserted so as to be entirely embedded in the spot facing portion and the insertion hole. Screwed to the bed 32.

The track rail 35 has a constant curvature in the longitudinal direction, and is formed such that a cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is a substantially U-shape with the upper side opened. Further, there are two raceway grooves 35c extending along the longitudinal direction, one at each of the left and right inner portions, for a total of two. These raceway groove 35c is substantially V-shape cross section shape, is open towards the inside with a opening angle 9 0 ^O. However, the number of the raceway grooves 35c is not necessarily limited to two. Further, the track rail 35 has a flat mounting surface 35d at the bottom for fixing the track rail 35 to the bed 32. More specifically, the track rail 35 includes a flat bottom portion 35e having the mounting surface 35d and side wall portions 35f and 35g extending from the left and right side portions of the bottom portion 35e substantially perpendicularly to the bottom portion 35e. I have it. The raceway groove 35c is formed inside the side wall portions 35f and 35g. The lower half portion of the slide unit 37 is inserted between the side wall portions 35f and 35g.

The slide unit 37 is disposed on the track rail 35, and has two rolling element circulation paths 41 corresponding to the above-mentioned raceway grooves 35c inside, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. . In these rolling element circulation paths 41, a large number of rollers 44 as rolling elements are arranged and housed so that the rotation axes of adjacent ones intersect at right angles, and each roller 44 is a slide unit. With the movement of 37, it circulates while rolling along the track groove 35c, and receives the load between the track rail 35 and the slide unit 37.

As shown in the figure, the slide unit 37 has a casing 46 and a pair of end caps 47 and 48 coupled to the front and rear ends of the casing 46. The rolling element circulation path 41 is formed in the casing 46 in parallel with each other so as to match the curvature of the track rail 35. The load raceway groove 41a and the return path 41b are formed in parallel with each other, and both end caps 47 and 48 are formed. And a pair of substantially semi-circular direction changing paths 41c and 41d which are formed in the above and allow the load track groove and the return path to communicate with each other at their both ends. The load track 41a corresponds to the track groove 35c of the track rail 35.

As is clear from FIG. 13, the load track groove 41a has a substantially V-shaped cross section and opens outward at an opening angle 90 ^O. On the other hand, the return path 41b has a substantially square cross section.

As shown in FIG. 13, the casing 46 has a flat plate-shaped carrying portion 46b and three blocks 46c to 46e which are coupled to each other and fixed to the lower surface side of the carrying portion 46b. There is. Grooves each having a substantially V-shaped cross-section are formed in advance on the left and right sides of the block 46d and on the inner sides of the other blocks 46c and 46e, respectively, so that the V-shaped grooves face each other. , 46d, 46e are joined together to form the return path 41b. The load track groove 41a is formed on the outer side of each of the left and right blocks 46c and 46e.

As shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of screw holes 46 a are formed on the upper surface side of the casing 46 of the slide unit 37, that is, on the carrying surface, and a table 49 (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13) is formed. It is fastened to the casing 46 by bolts (with hexagonal holes) 54 screwed into these screw holes 46a.

As described above, also in the rolling guide unit, since the roller 44 that receives the load by the line contact is adopted as the rolling element, compared to the conventional rolling guide unit using the ball that makes point contact. As a result, load capacity and rigidity are increased to withstand a large load, vibration absorption is improved, noise is reduced, and the operating state is smoothed, and the service life is extended. In addition, since each roller 44 is a cross roller type in which the adjacent ones are arranged so that the rotation axes of the adjacent ones intersect with each other, the centrifugal force generated due to the bending type is sufficient even if it is relatively large. Can withstand.

By the way, as shown in the figure, a motor 56 as a driving force generating means is attached to a substantially central portion of the upper surface of the casing 46 of the slide unit 37. As is apparent from FIG. 13, the motor 56 is mounted so that its output shaft 56a is perpendicular to the mounting surface 35d of the track rail 35, in this case, facing downward. By arranging the relatively heavy motor 56 on the upper surface side of the slide unit 37 in this way, it is possible to suppress the moment applied to the slide unit 37 based on the weight of the motor 56 to be small, and the slide unit 37 It is preferable for ensuring a highly accurate operating state. Since the motor 56 is provided on the upper surface of the slide unit 37, that is, on the side of the supporting surface for supporting the table 49 as described above, the motor 56 is formed on the table 49 so as not to interfere with the table 49. The through hole (not shown) is inserted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the output shaft 56 a of the motor 56 projects below the casing 46 through a through hole 46 f formed in the casing 46 of the slide unit 37. Then, a cylindrical drive roller 58a as a rolling member is fitted to this protruding portion. The output shaft 56a is supported by the casing 46 in the vicinity of the lower end thereof via a bearing 59 composed of a ball bearing or an oilless bearing.

Further, on the lower surface side of the casing 46, the other two driving rollers 58b and 58c are provided at positions separated from each other in the moving direction of the casing 46 and sandwiching the driving roller 58a. The drive rollers are adapted to engage with the drive roller 58a and rotate in synchronization with each other.

On the other hand, the track rail 35 is formed with raceway surfaces 35h and 35i to be rolled by engaging the driving rollers 58a to 58c in parallel with the raceway groove 35c provided therein. Specifically, the inner side surfaces of the left and right side wall portions 35f and 35g of the track rail 35 are the raceway surfaces 35h and 35i. The rolling surface of the drive roller 58a is engaged with one raceway surface 35h, and the rolling surfaces of the other two drive rollers 58b, 58c are engaged with the other raceway surface 35i.

A predetermined amount of oil is constantly supplied to the above-described raceway surfaces 35h and 35i, so that between the drive roller 58a and the raceway surface 35h, between the drive rollers 58b and 58c and the raceway surface 35i. An oil film (not shown) is formed between these three drive rollers. Therefore, the slide unit 37 is propelled by a resistance force generated when the oil film is sheared by the rotation of the motor 56, that is, traction.

In the rolling guide unit having the above-described structure, when the motor 56 operates with the workpiece or the like (not shown) placed and fixed on the table 49, the drive rollers 58a to 58c are activated. Rolls on the raceways 35h and 35i. Therefore, the table 49 moves forward or backward together with the slide unit 37 carrying the table 49, and the necessary processing such as cutting is performed on the work piece or the like accordingly.

14 to 17 show a rolling guide unit as a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, in the rolling guide unit, a track rail 75 fixed on a bed 72 included in a machine tool or the like (the whole is not shown), and a slide base guided by the track rail 75. And a slide unit 77 as. The track rail 75 is fixed to the bed 72 with a large number of bolts (with hexagonal holes) 79. 15 and 16, in particular, the track rail 75 has a spot facing portion 75a having a diameter larger than the head of the bolt 79 for fixing the track rail 75 to the bed 72, and the screw of the bolt 79. A through hole 75b having a diameter slightly larger than that of the portion is concentrically formed, and the bolt 79 is inserted into the spot facing portion and the through hole so as to be entirely embedded and screwed into the bed 72. .

The track rail 75 has a constant curvature in the longitudinal direction, and is formed so that the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is substantially rectangular. Further, there are two raceway grooves 75c formed along the longitudinal direction, one on each of the left and right sides, that is, two in total. These raceway grooves 75c have a substantially V-shaped cross-section, and open outward with an opening angle of 90 ^O. Further, the track rail 75 has a flat mounting surface 75d at the bottom for fixing the track rail 75 to the bed 72. The slide unit 77 is laid over the track rail 75, and has two rolling element circulation paths 81 corresponding to the above-mentioned track grooves 75c inside, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In these rolling element circulation paths 81, a large number of rollers 84 as rolling elements are arranged and housed so that the rotation axes of adjacent ones intersect each other at a right angle, and each of the rollers 84 is a slide unit. As the 77 moves, it circulates while rolling along the raceway groove 75c.

As shown in the figure, the slide unit 77 includes a flat plate-shaped carrying portion 86, a pair of sleeve portions 87 joined to the lower left and right lower surfaces of the carrying portion 86 by screws or the like, the carrying portion 86 and each sleeve. It has two seals 89 and 90 attached to the outer surface of each part 87. The rolling element circulation passage 81 is formed in both sleeve portions 87 so as to match the curvature of the track rail 75 and parallel to each other, and the load passage groove 81a and the return passage 81b are also formed in the sleeve portions 87. It is composed of a pair of substantially semi-circular direction change paths 81c and 81d which are formed to connect the load track groove and the return path to each other at both ends thereof. The load track groove 81a corresponds to the track groove 75c of the track rail 75. Further, a grease nipple 92 for supplying grease to the surface of the roller 84 is attached to the slide unit 77. Also, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, a large number of screw holes 86a are formed on the upper surface side of the slide unit 77, that is, on the carrying surface, and a table (not shown) is used for bolts (that are screwed into these screw holes 86a). It is fastened to the slide unit 77 by means of a hexagon socket 94).

As is clear from FIG. 16, the load track groove 81a has a substantially V-shaped cross section and opens inward at an opening angle 90 ^O. On the other hand, the cross section of the return path 81b is substantially square.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, each sleeve portion 87 of the slide unit 77 is composed of two blocks 87 a and 87 b fixed to the lower surface side of the carrying portion 86. However, in this case, the block 87a is integrally formed with the carrying portion 86. Grooves each having a substantially V-shaped cross section are formed in advance on the outer side of one block 87a and the inner side of the other block 87b, and the blocks 87a and 87b are arranged so that these V-shaped grooves face each other. The return path 81b is formed by mutual joining. The load track groove 81a is formed inside the block 87a.

As described above, also in the rolling guide unit, since the roller 84 which receives the load by the line contact is adopted as the rolling element, compared with the conventional rolling guide unit using the ball which makes the point contact. As a result, load capacity and rigidity are increased to withstand a large load, vibration absorption is improved, noise is reduced, and the operating state is smoothed, and the service life is extended. Further, each roller 84 is of a cross roller type in which the rotation axes of adjacent ones intersect with each other, and therefore, even if the centrifugal force generated due to the bending type is relatively large, Can withstand enough.

By the way, as shown in the figure, a motor 96 as a driving force generating means is attached to the central portion of the upper surface of the slide unit 77. As is apparent from FIG. 16, the motor 96 is mounted such that its output shaft 96a is perpendicular to the mounting surface 75d of the track rail 75, in this case, facing downward.

As shown in FIG. 16, the output shaft 96 a of the motor 96 projects below the slide unit 77 through a through hole 77 a formed in the slide unit 77. Then, a cylindrical drive roller 98 is fitted to this protruding portion.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the track on which the drive roller 98 engages and rolls in the upper portion of the track rail 75 in parallel with the track groove 75 c provided therein. The surface 75e is formed. Specifically, a groove having a rectangular cross section is formed on the upper portion of the track rail 75, that is, at the top, and one inner surface of the groove is the raceway surface 75e. As described above, since the driving roller 98 rolls with the inner surface of the groove as the raceway surface 75e, the driving roller 98 does not come into contact with the counterbore portion 75a formed on the track rail 75 for bolt insertion. A smooth rolling state without getting caught is obtained.

A predetermined amount of oil is constantly supplied to the raceway surface 75e described above, so that an oil film (not shown) is formed between the drive roller 98 and the raceway surface 75e. Therefore, the slide unit 77 is propelled by the resistance force generated when the oil film is sheared by the rotation of the drive roller 98, that is, the traction.

In the rolling guide unit having the above-described structure, when the motor 96 operates, the driving roller 98 rolls on the raceway surface 75e. Therefore, the slide unit 77 moves forward or backward.

18 and 19 show the essential parts of a rolling guide unit as an eighth embodiment of the present invention. The rolling guide unit according to the eighth embodiment has the same structure as the rolling guide unit according to the seventh embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 to 17 except for the main part described below. The description of the entire unit is omitted. Further, in the following description, the same reference numerals are attached to the same or corresponding components as the components of the rolling guide unit as the seventh embodiment. Further, the same applies to the description of the ninth embodiment described later.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, in the rolling guide unit, a plurality of slide units 77 on the track rails 75, in this case, two slide units 77 as slide bases arranged side by side are substantially formed. The flat plate-shaped connecting members 102 are integrally connected to each other. The motor 96 is attached to the upper surface of the coupling member 102, and the output shaft 96a of the motor 96 is inserted into a through hole 102a formed in the coupling member 102.

20 to 22 show the essential parts of a rolling guide unit as a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, in the rolling guide unit as the ninth embodiment, a motor 96 as a driving force generating means is attached to the center of the side surface of the slide unit 77. Specifically, the motor 96 is mounted so that its output shaft 96a is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the track rail 75 and is parallel to the mounting surface 75d of the track rail 75. By mounting the motor 96 in this way, the motor 96 is contained within the height range of the slide unit 77, and the height dimension of the unit as a whole is kept small. Further, the motor 96 does not interfere with the mounting of the table (not shown) on the slide unit 77.

As shown in FIG. 22, the output shaft 96 a of the motor 96 projects into the internal space of the slide unit 77 through a through hole formed in the slide unit 77. Then, a cylindrical drive roller 98 is fitted to this protruding portion. The output shaft 96a is supported by the slide unit 77 via two bearings 99 such as ball bearings or oilless bearings. The output shaft 96a is divided in the middle thereof, and the divided two are connected by a coupling 96b. This configuration facilitates centering and simplifies attachment / detachment of the motor 96.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the drive roller 98 is engaged with the upper part of the track rail 75 in parallel with the track groove 75 c provided therein and should be rolled. A flat raceway surface 75e is formed. More specifically, a groove having a substantially trapezoidal cross section is formed in the upper portion of the track rail 75, and the slopes on the left and right of this groove are the raceway surfaces 75e. As described above, since the driving roller 98 rolls with the inclined surface of the groove as the raceway surface 75e, the driving roller 98 does not come into contact with the counterbore portion 75a formed on the track rail 75 for bolt insertion, and is caught. It provides a smooth rolling condition.

A predetermined amount of oil is constantly supplied to the above-mentioned raceway surface 75e, so that an oil film (not shown) is formed between the drive roller 98 and the raceway surface 75e. Therefore, the slide unit 77 is propelled by the resistance force generated when the oil film is sheared by the rotation of the drive roller 98, that is, the traction.

FIG. 23 shows a main part of a rolling guide unit as a tenth embodiment of the present invention. The rolling guide unit according to the tenth embodiment is configured in the same manner as the rolling guide unit according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 except for the main part described below, and therefore the entire unit is configured as a whole. Is omitted. Further, in the following description, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding components as those of the rolling guide unit as the sixth embodiment.

As shown in the figure, in this rolling guide unit, the track rail 35 does not have a flange portion. Therefore, the bolt 39 for fixing the track rail 35 to the bed 32 is arranged at the bottom of the track rail 35 having a substantially U-shaped cross section so as to provide the raceway surfaces 35h and 35i. Has been. The track groove 35c is formed on the outer surface of the track rail 35. On the other hand, the slide unit 37 straddles the track rail 35 and has a load track groove 41a formed on its inner side surface. As shown in the figure, a cap 40 is closely fitted to a counterbore 35a formed at the bottom of the track rail 35 for inserting a bolt head. However, the cap 40 may not be provided.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the track rail is formed with an equal curvature over the entire length, but the track rail is not limited to such a simple arc shape, and an S-shaped curve including a plurality of curvatures is also included. It can be freely set as needed, such as a shape or a free-form curve.

Further, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described first to tenth embodiments, but the configurations of these embodiments may be partially combined with each other as appropriate, or may be applied to each other. A wide variety of configurations can be realized.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the load raceway groove in which the roller circulates and the respective return shaft center axes are on the same horizontal plane, but both shaft centers are set on the same plane. The structure not to be disclosed is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-8647, and it is of course possible to apply this structure to the present invention.

[0087]

[Effect of device]

 As described above, in the rolling guide unit according to the present invention, since the roller that receives the load due to the line contact is adopted as the rolling element, the load is higher than that of the conventional rolling guide unit that uses the point contact ball. The capacity and rigidity are increased to withstand a large load, vibration absorption is improved, noise is reduced, and the operating state is smoothed, and the service life is extended. In addition, since each roller is a cross roller type in which the rotation axes of adjacent ones intersect with each other, since it is a bending type, even if the centrifugal force generated is relatively large, this is sufficient. It has the effect of being able to withstand.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an essential part of a rolling guide unit as a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a part of the rolling guide unit shown in FIG. 1, including a partial cross section thereof.

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rolling guide unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an essential part of a rolling guide unit as a second embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the rolling guide unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of an essential part of a rolling guide unit as a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a part of the rolling guide unit shown in FIG.

8 is a vertical sectional view of the rolling guide unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of an essential part of a rolling guide unit as a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view including a partial cross section of a part of a rolling guide unit as a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view including a partial cross section of a main part of a rolling guide unit as a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a side view including a partial cross-section of a main part of the rolling guide unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a front view of the rolling guide unit shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 including a partial cross section.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view including a partial cross section of a main part of a rolling guide unit as a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

15 is a side view including a partial cross section of a main part of the rolling guide unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a front view including a partial cross section of a main part of the rolling guide unit shown in FIGS. 14 and 15.

FIG. 17 is a bottom view including a partial cross section of a main part of the rolling guide unit shown in FIGS. 1 to 16.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of a rolling guide unit as an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a view on arrow CC of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view including a partial cross section of a main part of a rolling guide unit as a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

21 is a side view of a main part of the rolling guide unit shown in FIG. 20, including a partial cross section thereof.

FIG. 22 is a front view of the rolling guide unit shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 including a partial cross section.

FIG. 23 is a front view including a partial cross section of a rolling guide unit as a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a main part of a conventional rolling guide unit.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 35, 75 Track rails 1e, 35c, 75c Raceway grooves 3, 37, 77 Slide unit (sliding base) 4, 41, 81 Rolling element circulation paths 4a, 41a, 81a Load raceway grooves 5, 44, 84 Roller 12 Split rail 19, 56, 96 Motor 20 Pinion 49 Table 58a, 58b, 58c, 98 Drive roller

Claims (11)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A rolling element circulation path including a track rail formed with a raceway groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section along the longitudinal direction and a load raceway groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section corresponding to the raceway groove. And a sliding base that is movable relative to the track rail,
A plurality of rollers that are arranged and housed in the rolling element circulation path so that the rotation axes of adjacent ones intersect with each other and circulate while rolling along the raceway groove, and have a predetermined curvature in the relative movement direction. A rolling guide unit characterized by having. 2. The track rail has a substantially rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the track grooves are formed on both left and right sides of the track rail, and the slide base is laid across the track rail. The rolling guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the load raceway grooves are formed on the inside of both sleeve portions. 3. The track rail extends from both sides of a bottom portion having a mounting surface to extend substantially perpendicularly to the bottom portion, and left and right side wall portions having the raceway groove formed on at least one inner side thereof. The rolling guide unit according to claim 1, wherein the sliding base is inserted between the side wall portions. 4. A split rail is provided, which is disposed along an inner side surface of one of the both side wall portions and has a raceway groove having a substantially V-shaped cross section formed on the inner side surface along the longitudinal direction. The rolling guide unit according to claim 3, which is characterized in that. 5. The pressurization adjusting means for moving the split rail so as to adjust the pressurization between the track groove and the load track groove and the roller, the split rail being capable of approaching and separating from the side wall portion. The rolling guide unit according to claim 4, further comprising: 6. A driving force generating means attached to the slide base, and a rolling member to which a driving force is applied by the driving force generating means to roll along the track rail. The rolling guide unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5. 7. The rolling guide unit according to claim 6, wherein a rack is formed along the longitudinal direction of the track rail, and the rolling member is a pinion meshing with the rack. 8. The rolling guide unit according to claim 6, wherein an oil film is formed between the track rail and the rolling member. 9. The rolling guide unit according to claim 6, wherein the rolling member is in contact with the track rail. 10. The rolling guide unit according to claim 9, wherein knurls are formed on an engaging surface of at least one of the track rail and the rolling member with respect to the other. 11. The high friction coefficient member having elasticity is attached to the engagement surface of at least one of the track rail and the rolling member with respect to the other. The rolling guide unit described.